RESIDENTS have talked of their fear after a 46-year-old man was allegedly attacked in Ipswich.

Hollie-Rae Merrick

RESIDENTS have talked of their fear after a 46-year-old man was allegedly attacked in Ipswich.

Police were called after a man was said to have been assaulted by a group of people believed to have had baseball bats and iron bars, in the Back Hamlet and Fore Street area at around 10.35pm on Sunday night.

A 34-year-old man from Ipswich was released on bail yesterday after being arrested on suspicion of affray and possession of an offensive weapon in connection with the incident. He is due to return to Ipswich Police Station on March 1.

Residents who live in the area told of their shock after Back Hamlet was blocked off and police officers combed the area.

One resident, who did not want to be named, said that she was on her way home when all the drama unfolded.

She said: “I was being driven back home but was unable to get into the area because police had blocked the road off.

“I couldn't believe how much blood there was on the pavements.

“It must have all happened very quickly, but the police were around until the early hours of Monday morning searching for clues and information.

“It was all very scary and I just couldn't believe it had all happened. It made me quite nervous because it could have been anyone.”

The injured man, who is from the Ipswich area, was taken to Ipswich Hospital with serious injuries. His condition is not thought to be life threatening.

The incident was not believed to be a stabbing, although it is thought a form of “edged weapon” may have been involved.

The area was sealed off by police and there were around half a dozen patrol cars at the scene, along with ambulances.

Witnesses also revealed that flats surrounding the area had been cordoned off due to the amount of blood spattered on the pavement outside.

A police spokesman said: “Properties were cordoned off because of blood leading towards the flats. Police restricted the area to ensure that there was no one inside the property who was injured.”

Police are appealing for any witnesses to the incident, or anyone who was in the area at around 10.30pm, to contact DS Karl Nightingale at Ipswich CID on 01473 613500 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.